This month we are taking a look at all things floral, from centrepieces, bridal bouquets to aisle decoration and colour schemes.

Most good florists and specialists will be able to help you far more than I ever would, but here is my rundown of things to look out for and what I have noticed works well at the hundreds of weddings that AKA has performed at over the years.
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This is possibly the most important aspect to consider. The flowers are usually such a massive part of the backdrop of your wedding day, so make sure that they go with all the already chosen items for the day, or that you pick the flowers first and then work the remaining decoration around their colour.

Take a look at the colour of your bridesmaid’s dresses and choose a colour that you like but also that works with the dress. There is nothing worse than having a gorgeous dress that is dwarfed by an overpowering or unfit bouquet.
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There is also nothing wrong with having some bold and in your face colours in the arrangements. If anything it makes them more memorable and more exciting and can really set off the rest of the look. For example if you have a specific bold colour that you want as the theme for your wedding, let’s say purple, having a collection of pailer colours with an injection of one or two bright purple blooms with looks great.

This idea for colours can be carried throughout the day to the main centrepieces for the tables, the flowers to decorate the aisle and right through to the colours of the confetti that is thrown as you leave the church.

Type of Flower

What flower do you choose? Why choose that one? What does the flower say about me?
Whilst it may be more for the flower aficionado, different flowers have different meanings each having their own connotations and can mean something very different to what you may think.

So you get the idea that each flower has it’s own meaning and can say something very different. Carnations in some colours even have negative connotations, so less than idea as a wedding flower.
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Despite this, if there is a flower that you love because you just love them, or you have good memories of them or if it was the favourite flower of a loved one then at the end of the day, it is your choice and your decision, so if you’re not the superstitious type, go for something that you love.

Venue Decoration

We have played at a lot of ceremonies, and it is something that often gets overlooked with regards to flowers. The best ones we have played at have either been one of 2 things, either the flowers have been big, bold and made a real piece of, or they have been cute, subtle and carefully thought out.

We like the big and bold approach, but then that is very AKA and we like to make a statement! Big vases and containers with well planned arrangements look amazing in photos and really give your photographer loads to work with in terms of composition and colour. This works for the reception venue as well as the ceremony venue.
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If not having the bigger, more flamboyant flowers then make sure that where you are having flowers really makes a statement about you. We have played some amazing weddings where the best floral decorations have been simple centrepieces and an awesome bridal bouquet.

Centerpieces

There is nothing worse than being at a beautifully decorated table with lovely food and people but not being able to talk to the 3 people directly opposite you because of a centerpiece that is too large. There is also a lot to get on a wedding table, so before you make the decision of what centerpiece, make sure you get the table numbers and sizes from your venue and make a list of all the other item s yo plan to have on the table.

A quick rundown per person:
2 glasses
Set of cutlery
Place setting
Side plate
Favours
Place card
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This is probably the minimum that we have come across for a sit down meal. Most tables seat about 10 guests so you can imagine how crowded a table can become with a large centerpiece. There are some great ideas out there for floral centerpieces that come in rustic looking troughs, perfect for that barn wedding feel or think about going for low, smaller flowers in shallow bowls if not.

Bridal Bouquet

So the bridal bouquet is one of the most important wedding flower pieces on show. This is a great place to start planning your colour schemes and where you can build the rest of your flowers from.
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There are so many styles to choose, from the classic round shape through to floor length succulent arrangements. The more classic and simple variations you can readily buy online or through a florist, but for something that is pure custom it is definitely worth having a consultation and meeting with a pro about what can be done to realise what you brain is imagining.

Seasonal Flowers or Not?

All flowers have their time in the year. Particular seasons lend themselves to certain flowers and colour schemes. Don’t try to get daffodils in November for example, you are better looking for more autumnal colours and wedding flowers that won’t look out of place.

Top questions to ask your florist

Have you done many weddings?
Can I see some examples of previous work?
Have you worked with the chosen venue before?
How many other weddings are you handing on the same day as ours?
Will they be responsible for working with the venue to find out restrictions regarding fixtures and fittings?
Who will handle delivery and set up, and how long with that take?
What happens to the flowers after the wedding?